At The Consecration Of Pulaski's Banner. <br /> <br />When the dying flame of day <br />Through the chancel shot its ray, <br />Far the glimmering tapers shed <br />Faint light on the cowléd head; <br />And the censer burning swung, <br />Where, before the altar, hung <br />The crimson banner, that with prayer <br />Had been consecrated there. <br />And the nuns' sweet hymn was heard the while, <br />Sung low, in the dim, mysterious aisle. <br /> <br />'Take thy banner! May it wave <br />Proudly o'er the good and brave; <br />When the battle's distant wail <br />Breaks the sabbath of our vale. <br />When the clarion's music thrills <br />To the hearts of these lone hills, <br />When the spear in conflict shakes, <br />And the strong lance shivering breaks. <br /> <br />'Take thy banner! and, beneath <br />The battle-cloud's encircling wreath, <br />Guard it, till our homes are free! <br />Guard it! God will prosper thee! <br />In the dark and trying hour, <br />In the breaking forth of power, <br />In the rush of steeds and men, <br />His right hand will shield thee then. <br /> <br />'Take thy banner! But when night <br />Closes round the ghastly fight, <br />If the vanquished warrior bow, <br />Spare him! By our holy vow, <br />By our prayers and many tears, <br />By the mercy that endears, <br />Spare him! he our love hath shared! <br />Spare him! as thou wouldst be spared! <br /> <br />'Take thy banner! and if e'er <br />Thou shouldst press the soldier's bier, <br />And the muffled drum should beat <br />To the tread of mournful feet, <br />Then this crimson flag shall be <br />Martial cloak and shroud for thee.' <br /> <br />The warrior took that banner proud, <br />And it was his martial cloak and shroud!<br /><br />Henry Wadsworth Longfellow<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/earlier-poems-hymn-of-the-moravian-nuns-of-bethlehem/
